Flanagan’s Craft Pub now open in downtown Puyallup

It’s not an Irish bar, but it sounds like one. Flanagan’s Craft Pub is actually a nod to the fictional bar in the movie “Cocktail.” Like that fictional bar, Puyallup’s Flanagan’s is a neighborhood stop.

Here’s a quick first-bite look at Flanagan’s, which opened March 17 in downtown Puyallup. It’s this newspaper’s policy to avoid criticism of food and service during a restaurant’s first month, which is why the focus is on descriptions.

The scene: Noisy neighborhood bar, with a similar feel to neighboring The Forum, which shares ownership with Flanagan’s. There’s another Forum in downtown Tacoma from the same owners.

Noise level: Bring earplugs if you’re a delicate flower. During a visit the bar was at capacity, I couldn’t hear table-mates who were right next to me.

Atmosphere: Big transformation from the bar’s previous life as the bare-bones Puyallup River Alehouse, a taproom that focused on South Sound/Northwest brewers and its own line of beers, which are brewed at a South Hill production facility (it’s not open to the public).

Decor: Wood-wrapped walls with brick accents, concrete floors, big televisions for game viewing. The atmosphere is quite casual.

Tech tip: Nearly every table has access to a charger or USB port for those pesky cellular emergencies.

Stuff to do: There’s free shuffleboard. A pool table is at the front of the bar, too. Flat-panel televisions are huge.

Menu: Very straightforward, casual menu of wraps and grilled sandwiches, $8-$12, with chips; or substitute a salad or soup for $1.

Sandwiches: Grilled sandwiches included a ciabatta club, grilled chicken, four-cheese, a Reuben and ham-and-cheese. Wraps included chicken, chicken-bacon and a vegetarian.

Appetizers: Hummus plate ($9), chicken quesadilla ($9). Soups ($4-$6) and entree salads ($8-$13).

Brew: The focus here is on craft beer, and in that regard, Puyallup craft brew is well represented with a choice of four Puyallup River brews (two India pale ales, a stout and cream ale).

Partnership: Co-owner Tim Mellema and Puyallup River Brewing owner Eric Akeson are friends and have developed a beer partnership in which Flanagan’s will heavily feature Puyallup River beers on tap.

Another owner: Karl Ashmore, originally from Dublin, is manager and a co-owner.

Other brews: Elysian, Mac and Jack and Georgetown Brewing represented; plus four beers brewed specifically for Flanagan’s, including a cider, amber, hefeweizen and India pale ale.

Not a craft lover? There’s also Bud and Coors.

Cocktails: Check out the specialty cocktail list, all priced $7.50.

This story was originally published March 29, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Flanagan’s Craft Pub now open in downtown Puyallup."